This workshop is meant for organizations that place a premium on effective communication in English. Given that intelligibility is of paramount importance, users of the language will need to ensure that they adhere closely to its rules, among other things, the grammar.
Grammar Workshop: The English Verb
One of the most problematic aspects of the English Language is the use of its verbs. This is because English verbs are radically different from those in the local languages. That being the case, meaning gets lost in translation when the user superimposes a local grammar on an English verb. Look at the following examples of the verb ‘leaves‘:
- The last train left at 12:20 a.m. yesterday.
- The last train had left when I met him yesterday.
- The last train has left already.
- The last train leaves at 12:20 a.m. today.
- The last train is leaving at 12:20 a.m. today.
- The last train will leave at 12:20 a.m. tomorrow.
- The last train shall leave at 12:20 a.m. tomorrow.
For the most part, there is no change in the verb form – leave – as far as the local languages are concerned. In English, there are different shades of meaning given the different tense and aspect.
The aim of this workshop is to provide greater clarity on the English verb. It also provides a brief look at Singapore English and how it sometimes runs foul of the rules of Standard English.
The following is the course outline for the workshop on the English verb. It is meant as a a refresher.
Grammar Workshop: The English Verb (6 hours)
Kindly note that the venue of this workshop is to be provided by the organization concerned.
Cost: S$420 upon registration
Should the organization have additional or even different requirements, please feel free to contact me for a course proposal and a quotation. As a general rule, charges are S$70 an hour for a maximum of 30 attendees per session.
You may contact me or reach me directly on my cellphone at +65 9145 7765.